Story and Pictures Pat Krause

CVRep, Coachella Valley Repertory, held its Luminary Luncheon on March 30, 2022. The event was a star-studded luncheon honoring an iconic and legendary local photographer to the stars, Michael Childers. Childers has captured some of Hollywood's most iconic actors, artists, authors, and music icons with his lens. His portraits are well known throughout the world. Childers has also produced some award-winning films. These luminary luncheons afford an up close and very intimate look into the life of the celebrity honoree.

Bob Mackey, honoree Michael Childers and Peter Bart. Photo by Pat Krause

Gary Shaw was the Master of Ceremonies. Well-known singer Ann Hampton Callaway, an award-winning and platinum-selling songwriter and recording artist, sang several songs. Callaway is also a pianist, actress, educator, lyricist, TV host, producer, and friend of Childers. Callaway also has sold-out shows at the McCallum Theatre. Some of the songs had words changed to honor Childers. Guest speakers included Greg Gorman, an award-winning internationally recognized photographer and friend of Childers. Another speaker was David Zippel, an award-winning lyricist and director responsible for changing the words to songs for the honoree.

One of Childers's long-time friends was the Legendary American Fashion designer and costumer to the Stars, Bob Mackie. Mackie told of his long friendship with Childers and how they met. These speakers gave a incite into the life of Childers and how he became such a well-known photographer. They all spoke about their friendship with Childers and how he impacted their lives.

Peter Daut, award-winning TV journalist and KESQ news anchor, interviewed Childers. His questions to Childers brought even more prominent stories in the life of Childers. Childers told stories about the people he did photograph and those he had wished he had been able to meet and photograph. He has hosted his One Night Only Concert of famous singers and Broadway professionals to the desert. He is a local legend and philanthropist.